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With over 15 years of industry experience, our team can help you achieve the all-important test result. Our experience in testing allows for advice ahead of time and offer solutions to improve your result.
If your property doesn’t pass the first time, we’re on hand to ensure a successful result at no extra charge if we can re-test on the same day.
Why do I need an Air Tightness Test?
All residential buildings require an air tightness test as part of the UK Building Regulations Part L. These tests help improve energy efficiency by ensuring high construction quality and durability.
Your air test result is also a key factor in SAP calculations, with the required target set in your design SAP report.
Need guidance? Our technical advisors are here to help with expert advice.
Our Process
Whether you have a residential property or commercial property, our team can help.
An air tightness test is usually carried out in the final phase of construction. It measures total air lost through leaks in the fabric of the building, which contributes to energy and heat loss. To carry out the test, one of our team fit a powerful fan into an exterior door frame and depressurises the interior space, as this makes it easier to identify leakage paths by drawing air into the building.
As an estimate, you should allow 30 to 60 minutes to test an average residential property. However, tests can vary in time depending on the complexity and size of the building. The test result will be calculated on-site by our engineer. If the building does not meet the required result, our engineer will be able to offer advice on how to best meet it.
What is a Test Result?
Common target air test results range from 5m³/h/m² down to 3m³/h/m² for standard houses with natural ventilation. If a property has mechanical ventilation or is designed as a passive house, the air test target can be lower often as low as 0.5m³/h/m².
The maximum Part L requirement is 8m³/h/m, but a result at this level may cause your SAP assessment to fail. If the failure is marginal, our experienced team will offer guidance on what work will be required to meet the target. If time allows, we will always try to carry out a retest on the day.
Retrofit Background Ventilation Testing
Retrofitting under PAS 2035, is the act of updating exiting residential building with improved insulation and more efficient services to increase the energy efficiency of the building and improve occupier comfort, under PAS 2035 background ventilation testing is required prior to retrofit and post retrofit.
Background ventilation testing is often required before a retrofit takes place to determine the level of ventilation within the property. As part of these tests, our team assess the natural circulation ensuring there is sufficient ventilation to mitigate the risk of condensation and mould.
Once the retrofit is complete, we carry out a final background ventilation test to ensure the building has sufficient ventilation.
Air Tightness Testing for Eco-Friendly Homes
Properties that are built with their ecological footprint in mind are also known as ‘passive houses’. To qualify for passive house accreditation, low levels of air leakage need to be achieved.
We advise carrying out tests throughout the build of your property. Testing throughout the first and second phase will help ensure the lowest score possible. A final air test at the end of the build will be required for compliance and accreditation purposes.
Benefits
- Quick Quote
- Pre- Test advice – ensure the building is ready
- Responsive Service – we will fit with your time scales
- On going Professional Support
Associated Services
- Part L – SAP
- Part L – SBEM
- Part F – Ventilation
- Back Ground Ventilation Testing
- Part G – Water
Book your air tightness test today
Contact us now for expert pre-test advice and a quick, easy quote. With instant test results and a free on-the-day retest if needed, we’re the perfect partner for your project.
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